Scam in AlgeriaTours and guides
Unofficial guides in Algeria
How it works
Unofficial guides may approach visitors. The exact pitch, payment demand and method are not specified.
Warning signs
- Someone offers to guide you when you have not arranged a guide.
- Their role, service or price is unclear.
How to avoid it
- Choose your guide deliberately before accepting a tour.
- Confirm the service and total price before starting.
- Decline unwanted help calmly and keep walking.
If it happens to you
End the interaction calmly if you do not want the service. Move to a public place if you feel pressured. Seek police help if someone threatens you.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist someone who threatens you.
- Check whether anyone is hurt. Seek urgent medical help if needed.
- Freeze stolen cards and secure affected accounts. If your phone is missing, use its remote lock feature if available.
- Save the details you have: time, location, receipts, booking records, vehicle details and a description of what happened.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a written report or reference number for insurance.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Report any app-booked ride through the booking service too.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the unofficial guides scam in Algeria?
Unofficial guides may approach visitors. The exact pitch, payment demand and method are not specified.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers to guide you when you have not arranged a guide. Their role, service or price is unclear.
How do I avoid unofficial guides in Algeria?
Choose your guide deliberately before accepting a tour. Confirm the service and total price before starting. Decline unwanted help calmly and keep walking.
What should I do if it happens to me?
End the interaction calmly if you do not want the service. Move to a public place if you feel pressured. Seek police help if someone threatens you.
Where in Algeria does this happen?
Across Algeria. They are less of a problem in Constantine and are found mainly around the city.
How common is this scam in Algeria?
Occasional. Algeria has little tourist-scam culture, but taxi overcharging and unofficial guides can cause problems. Watch for theft on buses in Batna, and pickpocketing and theft by passing motorbike riders in Constantine. Robbery is also a concern in remote areas.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or suspected fraud. Give the location, time and any useful evidence. The police number listed for Algiers is 1548. Gendarmes: ask for help or local safety advice if you are unsure about your surroundings. No contact number is provided. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a stolen card and report any unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Algiers has many embassies. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence and the police report. Taxi booking service: if you booked through Yassir or Heetch, use the service's support channel and provide the trip details.
What number do I call in an emergency in Algeria?
Police — listed for Algiers: 1548, Fire department — listed for Algiers: 14, Paramedics — listed for Algiers: 0 213 23 54 44 28.
Reviewed by @snuck